in the dirt since history began

Rhetoric

[Emphasis added.] …abortion rights advocates say that is exactly the kind of rhetoric that sows the seeds for more violence. And they say the FACE [Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances] Act needs to be expanded and used to crack down on such inflammatory rhetoric. [NPR]

Perhaps NPR has misconstrued what exact kind of rhetoric abortion rights advocates object to, but the reporter seemed to be referring to this:

“I understand that anger,” he says. “You know children are dying, and you want to do something. And just, you know, people just can’t take it anymore. That might just drive them to it. So I think the pro-abortion people brought this on themselves by forcing the politicians to pass these laws.”

Spitz has called those who kill abortion providers heroes, and he says he sheds no tears for Tiller.

“He was the murderer, and as far as I’m concerned, he reaped what he sowed,” he says.

Yes, kind of a douchebag. But he’s not exactly calling for anybody’s death here, is he? Maybe I’m being obtuse, but something about ‘cracking down on rhetoric’ offends the sensibilities.

Like this:

Related

"We have no words to waste on you. When you reach out your vaunted strong hands for our palaces and purpled ease, we will show you what strength is. In roar of shell and shrapnel and in whine of machine-guns will our answer be couched. We will grind you revolutionists down under our heel, and we shall walk upon your faces. The world is ours, we are its lords, and ours it shall remain. As for the host of labor, it has been in the dirt since history began, and I read history aright. And in the dirt it shall remain so long as I and mine and those that come after us have the power. There is the word. It is the king of words—Power. Not God, not Mammon, but Power. Pour it over your tongue till it tingles with it. Power."